S6E72 – The 2026 Charger SixPack Is More Powerful Than Ever. Deal With It.
About this episode
The episode dives into the development of the 2026 Dodge Charger SixPack, featuring insights from chief engineer Dutch. The discussion highlights the transition to a new multi-energy platform accommodating both electric and internal combustion engines, emphasizing the importance of performance and design. With over 670 horsepower, the new Charger aims to satisfy both traditional muscle car enthusiasts and those curious about electrification. The conversation also touches on the challenges of changing consumer perceptions and the engineering team's dedication to elevating the driving experience.
In this episode, we’re in Knoxville, Tennessee, putting the all-new 2026 Dodge Charger SixPack to the test on the legendary Tail of the Dragon. Joining us is Audrey Moore, Vice President and Chief Engineer for North American Sedan Programs, who breaks down what makes the new SixPack a true evolution—more power, more precision, and a whole new driving experience. Buckle up for insights, performance talk, and one unforgettable test drive.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
EVs
"...to come out with a completely new platform, which can accommodate EVs and ICs. So tell us about how was that process?"
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They use batteries to power an electric motor, making them quieter and often better for the environment.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity, using batteries instead of traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). They are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower environmental impact and advancements in battery technology.
internal combustion engines (ICE)
"...but we still have the love of engines and internal combustion engines."
Internal combustion engines are the engines that most cars have used for a long time. They work by burning fuel to create power, which makes the car move.
Internal combustion engines (ICE) are traditional engines that burn fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, to create power. They have been the standard for vehicles for over a century but are being gradually replaced by electric powertrains in modern vehicles.
multi-energy platform
"And since all of this is now finally becoming reality, where we're sharing the engines and the Bev. But it was all, my team actually, we sat down for quite a while about the multi-energy platform."
A multi-energy platform is a type of car design that can use different kinds of engines, like electric or gasoline. It helps car makers build different models more easily and efficiently.
A multi-energy platform is a vehicle architecture designed to support multiple types of powertrains, such as internal combustion engines and electric motors. This flexibility allows manufacturers to produce various models on the same platform, optimizing production and development costs.
battery pack
"How do you bolt up a battery pack? And then how do you put in an engine and a transmission and a drive line so that you have everything that you want?"
A battery pack is a group of batteries that work together to store energy for electric cars. This energy is what powers the car and makes it run.
A battery pack is a collection of batteries that are connected together to store and supply electrical energy for electric vehicles (EVs). It is a crucial component in EVs, providing the power needed to drive the vehicle.
drive line
"How do you put in an engine and a transmission and a drive line so that you have everything that you want? It was a significant design process for us to get to that point."
The drive line is the system in a car that helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels. It includes parts like the transmission and driveshaft, which help the car move forward.
The drive line, or drivetrain, refers to the components that transmit power from the engine to the wheels of a vehicle. This includes the transmission, driveshafts, differentials, and axles, playing a critical role in how the vehicle moves.
EV
"So this platform, again, can accommodate obviously this EV, which is a four door. Yes."
EV means electric vehicle, which is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. These cars are usually better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, rather than traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Daytona
"Yeah, this is the Daytona. But it looks the same as our gas version because we wanted to feel like a true muscle car."
The Dodge Daytona is a car that has a strong performance reputation, similar to classic muscle cars but with an electric version that offers modern technology and efficiency.
The Dodge Daytona is a performance-oriented vehicle that is part of Dodge's lineup, known for its muscle car heritage. The mention here refers to the electrified version, which aims to maintain the classic muscle car feel while incorporating electric performance.
muscle car
"...because we wanted to feel like a true muscle car. So I think anyone who really wants to naysay electrification..."
Muscle cars are powerful American cars that are built for speed and performance. They often have big engines and a sporty look, making them popular among car enthusiasts.
A muscle car is a term used to describe a high-performance vehicle, typically American, with a powerful engine designed for straight-line speed. These cars are known for their aggressive styling and are often associated with the automotive culture of the 1960s and 1970s.
electrification
"So I think anyone who really wants to naysay electrification, I think you've really just got to give it a try because I think this vehicle itself..."
Electrification means using electricity to power cars instead of gasoline. It's a trend where cars are being made to run on batteries, which can be better for the environment.
Electrification refers to the process of converting a vehicle to use electric power, either fully or partially, instead of traditional gasoline engines. This shift is significant in the automotive industry as manufacturers develop electric vehicles (EVs) to meet environmental standards and consumer demand for sustainable options.
horsepower
"So this car is over 600 horsepower, the electric one. Yes."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a car's acceleration and overall performance.
LED lights
"...this is a very modern like LED lights all over the place and all that."
LED lights are special lights that are very bright and use less energy than regular lights. They last a long time and are often used in cars for things like headlights and taillights.
LED lights are a type of lighting technology that uses light-emitting diodes to produce bright and energy-efficient illumination. In cars, they are often used for headlights, taillights, and interior lighting due to their longevity and low power consumption.
Dodge Hurricane
"...So now to the hurricane, which is a six cylinder car, five hundred and fifty to begin with..."
The Dodge Hurricane is a type of engine that has six cylinders, which helps it produce a lot of power. It's designed to be better than older engines.
The Dodge Hurricane is a six-cylinder engine variant that offers enhanced performance, including increased horsepower and torque compared to previous models. It represents Dodge's commitment to improving engine efficiency and power.
torque
"...You have more torque. You have more everything than we had with that six four scat pack charger..."
Torque is how strong the engine is when it starts moving the car. More torque helps the car speed up faster, especially from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, which affects how quickly a vehicle can accelerate. Higher torque means better performance in terms of pulling power and responsiveness, especially at lower speeds.
Dodge Charger Scat Pack
"...more everything than we had with that six four scat pack charger when we used that in twenty three."
The Dodge Charger Scat Pack is a fast car that has a strong engine, making it fun to drive. It's designed for people who like powerful vehicles.
The Dodge Charger Scat Pack is a performance-oriented variant of the Charger, featuring a powerful V8 engine and enhanced handling characteristics. It is known for its muscular performance and aggressive styling.
twin turbochargers
"...the twin turbo chargers give you an amazing amount of power at all sorts of RPM ranges. So you always have it available."
Twin turbochargers are two devices that help an engine get more air, which means it can produce more power. This helps the car go faster and perform better at different speeds.
Twin turbochargers are two turbochargers used in an engine to increase its power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for better performance across a wider range of engine speeds (RPMs).
0-60 time
"...when a muscle car gives you a zero to sixty three point nine seconds?"
0-60 time tells you how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quickly a car can speed up.
0-60 time measures how quickly a car can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a vehicle's acceleration capabilities.
V8 engine
"...there were V8's that deliver what, one hundred and seventy..."
A V8 engine is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. This kind of engine is powerful and makes cars go fast.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration, known for its power and smooth performance. It is commonly used in performance and full-size vehicles like the Dodge Charger.
V8
"And I every person that says V8's are the only way I would say, just give the car a drive"
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for being powerful and is often used in sports cars and trucks.
A V8 is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a 'V' shape. This design is popular for its balance of power and smoothness, often found in performance and luxury vehicles.
lower displacement version
"...we also have the SO, which will be the lower displacement version of it. And that's about 120 less horsepower, which still is a lot compared to cars from 30 years..."
A lower displacement version means the engine is smaller, which usually means it has less power. This can help save on gas and reduce pollution, but the car might not be as fast.
A lower displacement version of a car typically refers to an engine with a smaller size or volume, which can result in less power output. This can be beneficial for fuel efficiency and emissions but may sacrifice some performance.
driving modes
"...it's more and it's better because not only is that raw power is the suspension is the steering or the technology, the driving modes."
Driving modes let you change how the car behaves. For example, you can make it sportier for faster driving or more comfortable for everyday use.
Driving modes are settings in a vehicle that adjust its performance characteristics, such as throttle response, steering feel, and suspension stiffness, to suit different driving conditions or preferences.
steering
"...it's more and it's better because not only is that raw power is the suspension is the steering or the technology..."
Steering is how you control where the car goes. When you turn the steering wheel, it helps the car turn left or right.
Steering is the mechanism that allows a driver to guide the direction of a vehicle. It includes components like the steering wheel, column, and rack-and-pinion system.
launch control
"I mean, you have amazing technology that is in this car, like the launch control that you had some version of that in the past one, which was kind of difficult to say, right?"
Launch control helps cars start faster by controlling how much power goes to the wheels. It makes sure the car doesn't spin out when you accelerate quickly from a stop.
Launch control is a feature in performance cars that optimizes acceleration from a standstill. It manages engine power and traction to minimize wheel spin and maximize speed when starting from a stop.
all-wheel drive
"We've added more content, standard all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive still though for fun. I think the modes layout is good."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that delivers power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road situations.
rear-wheel drive
"We've added more content, standard all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive still though for fun. I think the modes layout is good."
Rear-wheel drive means the back wheels get the power from the engine. This setup can make the car handle better and feel sportier when driving.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a drivetrain layout where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This configuration often provides better handling and acceleration dynamics, especially in performance vehicles.
suspension
"We have the ambient lighting, suspension is better. We have better on-center steering, less ride shake."
The suspension is what helps the car ride smoothly over bumps and turns. It keeps the wheels in contact with the road for better control.
The suspension system of a vehicle connects the body to the wheels and helps absorb shocks from the road, providing a smoother ride and better handling characteristics.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.